SAE CECM- 12-T-91:1991-01-01

In assessing the significance of the results of the analysis of any used engine oil, it must be assumed that the sample of lubricant provided is truly representative of the complete oil charge from which it was taken. The responsibility for securing a valid sample must rest with the ship's engineer for whom this Code of Practice for proper sampling has been prepared.

These are three basic requirements for preparing a sample for analysis: 1) the sample must be representative of the total oil charge within the engine system; 2) the sample taken must not become contaminated after collection; and 3) the sample must be fully identified and correctly packaged before despatch to the laboratory.

The following guidance is given to ensure that the small oil sample despatched for analysis is fully representative of the condition of the complete oil charge, which in practice may be of several tonnes